"I left; Mistress Audley and Lettice at James Town a week since," answered Oliver; "but, alack! Gilbert and young Fenton were carried off by the Indians, and we have come up in search of them, as we have of Captain Audley; and, if I mistake not, sir, you are that very gentleman." "I am indeed so; I believed that I was long ago supposed to be dead," answered Captain Audley; "or that search would have been made for me." Oliver then told him all he knew respecting the report brought home by Batten. "But how comes it that my son did not accompany Manita?" inquired Captain Audley. "She will tell you why she would only bring me," answered Oliver. Manita's reply seemed to satisfy him; he then made many eager inquiries about Gilbert, as to whom and by whom he had been carried off. Oliver gave him all the information in his power. So interested had he been, that he had forgotten to invite the young travellers into his house; he now, however, did so, and placed before them an ample meal. Manita seemed somewhat puzzled how to behave, but looking at Oliver she imitated him very well. Their host frequently gazed at the young people, as he plied Oliver further with questions. "When will you come with us, sir?" asked Oliver, after waiting for some time; "Manita is, I know, in a hurry to get back, and all will be ready to welcome you when you arrive." "Alas! I cannot go thus far unless one who holds my pledge is ready to set me free," answered Captain Audley. "He may be willing to do so, or fear of the white man's power may induce him to release me." "I suppose, sir, you would not object to be carried off by force, if the Indians will not by fair means let you go free?" said Oliver. "As to that I shall make no answer, lad," replied Captain Audley; "I wish by fair means alone to gain my liberty. I have, though, another motive for remaining: to search, with the aid of my Indian friends, for my boy Gilbert and his companions, who have been brought, you say, by their captors to this part of the country. I will therefore bid you return and invite the party to come up here. Their presence will, I hope, have its effect." The recluse, or Captain Audley, for such it appeared that he was, continued looking at his young guests; suddenly turning to Oliver, he asked whether he had heard that he had a sister born some short time before the settlement was destroyed. "Yes," answered Oliver, "my mother had a little daughter named Virginia, the first child born in the settlement, who was, my grandfather supposed, murdered with her and my father on that cruel day."